1998 Panoz Esperante vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Panoz Esperante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz Esperante would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz Esperante (317 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 125 kg more than 1998 Panoz Esperante.
Because 1998 Panoz Esperante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Panoz Esperante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Panoz Esperante | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Panoz | Toyota |
| Model | Esperante | Solara |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 426 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
